Arrest Made for 2014 Murder of Darla Gibbons

June 25, 2015

Greensboro, GA – The Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) announced today the formal arrest of Rodricus Deuntey Ward, 26, of 3661 Union Point Highway, Greensboro, Georgia. Ward has been charged with one count of Malice Murder, one count of Felony Murder and one count of Aggravated Assault in the October 2014 murder of Darla Gibbons. Gibbons’ body was discovered in the burned remains of her vehicle on October 22, 2014 by employees of Henson Davidson Mineral Properties, located in the 1300 block of Winterville Road in Athens.

Ward has been in custody of the State on charges relating to the unlawful possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and a probation violation since October 2014.

The investigation into Gibbons’ murder has been worked jointly by the Athens-Clarke County Police Department, the Greene County Sheriff’s Office and GBI agents assigned to the Athens and Milledgeville Field Offices.

After reviewing the circumstances, evidence, and witness statements related to the murder investigation, prosecutors from the Ocmulgee Judicial Circuit and the Western Judicial Circuit decided to prosecute Ward in connection with Gibbons’ murder in the Ocmulgee Judicial Circuit. Ward could also face arson charges in the Western Judicial Circuit.

Ward’s formal charging in the murder investigation represents the first charges taken that directly relate to Gibbons’ murder. Additional charges and arrests may be forth coming as the investigation continues to develop.

As the investigation is ongoing, no further information is available for release at this time.